I must say, the Russian Duma sure does give Congressional Republicans a run for their money.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

https://apnews.com/1bc1532d515550bb40df29ff9652e264

Russia passes bill allowing Putin to stay in power past 2024

by DARIA LITVINOVAMarch 11, 2020 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian parliament approved a sweeping constitutional reform in the third and final reading Wednesday, a move that will allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 12 years after his current term ends in 2024.

The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, endorsed a set of amendments to the constitution and a provision resetting the term count for Putin after the revised constitution goes into force. It passed by a 383-0 vote with 43 abstentions, and was approved by the upper house, the Federation Council, several hours later.

A nationwide vote on the proposed amendments is set for April 22.

I'm sure the "referendum" will be a free and fair vote, right?

[Golden Raisin]

1. They know they may "accidentally" fall out of a 4th window or balcony.